Rail partition assembly



Sept. 26, 13967 H. l.. BIRUM, JR 3,343,318 I I RAIL I ARTITION ASSEMBLY Filed June 24, 1965 l B shets-sneet 1 vBY sepf.26,`1967 y H. l.. BIRUMQ JR' 3,343,313

` RAIL PARTITION ASSEMBLY Filed Junev 24, v1965' 3 sheets-sheet 2 26, 1967 H. L'. BIRUM, JR

l Filed June 24., 1965 RAIL PARTITION ASSEMBLY sheets-sheet s United States Patent O 3,343,318 RAIL PARTITION ASSEMBLY Herbert L. Birum, Jr., Pleasant Valley, Titusville, NJ.,

assignor to HLB Corporation, Lambertville, NJ., a corporation of New Jersey Filed June 24, 1965, Ser. No. 466,569 12 Claims. (Cl. 52--239) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention teaches a partition assembly comprised of two main constituents, namely frame assemblies and mounting post assemblies therefor. The frame assembly is comprised of cooperating channel sections two ot which are provided with projections being slidably received by grooves in the remaining channel members. The remaining channel members are provided with smaller projections bent over the outer surface of the channel members whose projections they receive to prevent any separation of the channel members from one another. Deformations 'are provided near the edges of two of the channel members to prevent the frame from collapsing outwardly. The four channel members normally embrace a panelboard. Two of the vertically aligned channel members are provided with lat least one slot .for mounting purposes.

The mounting post is provided with openings having double undercut notches for receiving a support member having at least one upwardly and outwardly extending projection for receiving one of the openings provided on the frame members and thereby supporting the frame without the need for any additional fastening members. Each post is provided with an adjustable foot to provide a leveling feature.

In another embodiment the post is designed to have an X-shaped cross-sectional configuration the center ofl which is provided with an opening for mounting the adjustable post foot thereto. The openings may alternatively receive either a frame member having projections extending away from the surface of the frame and being notched at their outer ends to cooperate with accompanying notches in the post for support thereof. Openings of the post not receiving and supporting frame members are designed to receive sealer strips having notched projections designed to -cooperate with notches provided within the post frame work and sealing those openings of the post not receiving and supporting a frame member.

The instant invention relates to construction materials and more particularly to interior partitions for use in buildings, factories and the like, which partition is comprised of components of a novel design requiring fewer components and hence greatly simplifying both fabrication and assembly of such partitions when compared with similar partitions of conventional design.

l The use of partitions for the purpose of dividing office or work space within a large Iarea of a factory or office building is well known in the prior art. One type of interior partition structure finding widespread use in the construction field is that type of partition which has the panels thereof positioned with their lower edges spaced in appreciable distance above floor level and with the upper edges thereof spaced usually 4 feet to 6 feet above fioor level. Partitions of this type are commonly comprised of a plurality of square-shaped posts which are vertically arranged at spaced intervals within an area to be partitioned for the purpose of positioning and supportin-g a partition panel between each pair of posts. The partition panels may be formed of any suitable material and typically are provided in 4 feet by 8 feet Patented Sept. 26, 1967 ICC' rectangular sheets. The thickness of such panels may vary considerably with typical thickness being of the order of 1'1/2. The surface of the panels may be finished in any suitable manner so as to provide a solid color pattern or a wood grain finish giving an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Selected ones (or all) of the posts are anchored to the floor or other supporting surface in any suitable manner, with the remaining posts being supported by a foot formed of rubber or any other suitable resilient material which rests upon the floor. The rubber foot is typically adjustable in order -to provide for horizontal alignment of all of the posts. At least one surface of the posts is provided with means for engaging one vertical side of a partition panel to suitably position and support same.

The panels are typically framed within a metallic framework, the vertical sides of which are typically provided with suitable openings for receiving and being supported by the support means provided along the posts. Conventional framing assemblies for partition panels are typically comprised of eight different component parts and further requirefastening means for coupling certain of the components in order to provide a rigid frame for the partition panel.

It is one primary object of the instant invention to provide a novel frame for partition panels and the like requiring only four separate components and no additional fastening means whatsoever, thereby greatly simplifying the fabrication of the frame components, as well as the assembly thereof. Each of the frame components is substantially identical to one another with the distinctions being the projections provided at the ends thereof which act as the fastening means for the structure. This enables all componentsof the frame to be very simply and readily manufactured, preferably through an extrusion process.

The partition posts lare elongated members preferably having a square-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The posts are formed of a metallic material, preferably aluminum, and are preferably manufactured through an extrusion process. -Each exterior surface of the elongated member is provided with a longitudinally aligned depression bordered on both sides thereof by first and second undercut grooves. An elongated panel support member is designed to be slidably received within one of said depressions so as to be suitably positioned and supported by the post member, Iand is provided with suitable projections thereon for engaging openings in the partition panel frame to position and support same. The height of the frame support member is dependent strictly upon the needs of the user. In the case where each outer surface of the post is provided with the above mentioned depression, elongated tape-like members may be inserted into the unused depressions and yield an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the posts. The tape-like members may be formed of any suitable material such as metal, plastic and the like, to provide `any color scheme or effect desired.

In the case where it is desired to provide either a translucent or transparent pane of glass above the partition panel, av suitable elongated tape-like insert may be positioned within the depression containing the panel support member, which tape-like member is provided with a pair offoutwardly extending arms designed for embracing the translucent or transparent pane.

Another preferred embodiment of the instant invention is comprised of a partition panel frame having a pair of projections along the vetrical sides thereof which is designed for use with a post member having openings along each exterior surface for receiving said projections. The panel frame is secured to the post by inserting the projections into one of the posts and then sliding a pair of elongated metallic inserts into the post for mating with the post and the frame projections to secure the frame to the post.

In the case where each exterior surface of the post is provided with a longitudinally aligned opening, suitable substantially U-shaped plastic inserts are positionable within the unused elongated openings yielding a solid appearance for the post and providing an aesthetically pleasing exterior appearance. A similar insert containing a pair of arms on the opposite surface thereof, may be employed for securing translucent or transparent panes to the post member.

As still another preferred embodiment of the instant invention, the frame for the partition panel may be comprised of a suitable plastic composition with the member having a pair of arms extending in a first direction for embracing the partition panel and a second pair of arms on the opposite surface thereof and extending in the opposite direction for insertion through the opening in the post member to engage suitable notches provided therein for the purpose of positioning and supporting the partition panel.

All of the above panel frames and post members ernploy a minimum of independent components and require no additional fastening means for securement, and hence provide a structure which is much more economical than conventional interior partitions due to simplicity in design, reduction in fabrication cost, and a great reduction in assembly costs.

It is therefore one primary object of the instant invention to provide a novel rail partition assembly for use in offices, factories and the like.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide a novel rail partition assembly for use in offices, factroies and the like, wherein the frame for the partition panels requires a minimum number of components and no separate fastening means whatsoever.

Still another object of the instant invention is to provide a novel rail partition assembly for use in offices, factories and the like and employing a novel post member designed to simply and readily be mounted with partition frame assemblies without the necessity of employing conventional fastening means.

These and other objects of the instant invention will become apparent upon a consideration of the accompanying description and drawings in which:

FIGURES la-lc are perspective views showing the members constituting the frame for a partition panel employing the concepts of the instant invention.

FIGURES 1d and 1e are end views showing the manner in which the components of FIGURES 1b and 1c are joined.

FIGURE 1f is a perspective view showing the manner in which the component members shown in FIGURES 1b and 1c are secured to one another.

FIGURE 2 shows a sectionalized side view of a partition panel and frame assembly designed in accordance with the principles of the instant invention.

FIGURE 3 is av perspective view showing one corner region of the assemblies of FIGURES ld-lf and 2 in greater detail.

FIGURES 4 and 4a are perspective and end views, respectively, -of a partition assembly post employed in the instant invention.

FIGURES 4b and 4c are perspective views of the window pane and panel frame support members, respectively, for use with the post of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 5 is a side view showing the manner in which the partition panel and frame assembly of FIGURE 2 is mountedbewteen a pair of posts.

FIGURES 6 and 7 are end views, respectively, of alternative embodiments of the frame and post members described and shown in FIGURES 1-5.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGURES la-lc show an elongated channel member 10 having a substantially C-shaped cross-sectional configuration and having acentral portion 11 with first and second arms 12 and 13 both extending in a first direction. The ends of arms 12 and 13 are bent inwardly and face one another to form the marginal lips 12a and 13a, respectively.

The interior surface of central portion 11 is provided with a cavity, or depression 11a, running the entire length of member 10 and having a pair `of projections 14 and 15 on opposite sides thereof so as to define a pair of grooves 16 and 17, respectively.

Referring to FIGURE 2 just briey, it can be seen that here is shown therein a partition panel and frame assembly 20 which has been shown as being sectionalized in order to convey the fact that the actual size of the partition panel and frame assembly is not in any way represented by the dimensioning of FIGURE 2.

The assembly 20 is comprised of a panel member 21 which may be formed lof any suitable material. The panel member 21 has its marginal edges embraced by the two horizonal frame members 10H and the two verical frame members 10V to form a rigid and secure assembly. The manner in which the individual frame members 10H- 10H and 10V-10V are joined, can best be appreciated from a consideration of FIGURES lb-le, 2 and 3.

Each of the individual frame members are formed in the same manner as the member 10 shown in FIGURE 1a. The horizontally aligned frame members 10H can best be understood from a consideration of FIGURE 1b which shows one end of a frame member 10H. It should be understood that the opposite end `of frame member 10H is substantially identical to the end shown in FIGURE 1b, and hence a detailed description of both ends of the frame member will be omitted for purposes of simplicity.

Each of the frame members may be formed of any suitable metallic material. It has been found that aluminum is a suitable material due to its strength-toweight ratio, making it an excellent choice. After extruding long sections of the members in the manner shown in FIGURE la, these sections are cut to suitable lengths and opposite ends of each section are cut, or machined in such a manner as to form a substantially rectangular-shaped projection 18 which is an extension of the central portion 11. It should be understood that a similar projection is provided at both ends.

A detailed view of the vertical sections 10V employed in the frame assembly is shown in FIGURE 1c. These sections are formed in the same manner as previously described and are then cut in suitable lengths and are finally machined to form the projections 19. These projections are cut from the central portion 11 of the member 10V and have a width W which is just slightly less than the distance D between the bases of the grooves 16 and 17, as shown in FIGURES 1a and lb. The projection 19 is machined or cut in any suitable manner so as to form the notches 19a and 19b on opposite sides thereof. After suitable machining the projection is then bent at 19e so that its forward end is substantially at rightangles relative to the central portion 11. The thickness T of projection 19 is just slightly less than the width of the grooves 16 and 17.

The manner in which the frame sections 10H and 10V are joined can best be seen from a consideration of FIGURES laf-1f.

The frame sections 10H and 10V shown in FIGURE 1d are aligned substantially at right angles and the forward end of projection 19 is moved in the direction shown by arrow A so that its opposite marginal edges enter the grooves 16 and 17. Section 10V is further moved in the direction shown by arrow A until its rear surface 11a is substantially in alignment with the left-hand end of member H. This can best be seen in FIGURE le. At this time the projection 18 is bent downwardly from the position shown in FIGURE 1d to the position shown in FIGURE le and arrow B. Projection 18 is pressed rmly against surface 11a of frame member 10V, thereby preventing member 10V from moving in the direction shown by arrow C relative to member 10H.

In order to prevent movement of member 10V in a direction shown by arrow A relative to member 10H, the projections 14 and 15 are bent 'downward at locations E and F by any suitable instrument such as, for example, a screw driver, to form depressions immediately adjacent the forward edge of projection 19 so as to prevent the projection 19 from moving toward the right relative to member 10H. These depressions E and F cooperate with the bent projection 18 to prevent .any relative motion between members 10H and 10V.

The remaining ends of each of the frame members are joined in a substantially similar manner so as to form the completed assembly 20, shown in FIGURE 2. It should be clearly understood that prior to the joining of at least one of the four sections, the partition panel 21 has its marginal edges inserted within Ethe arms of the frame members 10H, 10H and 10V, 10V so that the final assembly operation, once performed, thereby forms a very rigid partition panel and frame stru-cture.

As can best be seen in FIGURE 3, each vertical frame section 10V is provided with a pair of elongated slots 22 and 23. These slots are provided for engagement with the projections of the partition panel supporting members, to be more fully described.

FIGURES 4 and 4a are perspective and end views respectively, of the post 30 employed in the rail partition assembly. The post 30 has a substantially square-shaped cross section and is preferably extruded so `as to form a solid unitary shell having a hollow interior 31. Each of the sides 32-35 is provided with a depression 32a-35a, respectively, with each depression being bordered, on opposite sides thereof by projections 32h-32e through 35h- 35c, respectively, thereby forming the undercut grooves 32d-32e through 35d-35e, respectively. All of the above mentioned depressions, projections and grooves extend the entire length of the post 30.

In order to mount the panel and frame assembly 20 of FIGURE 2 to a post 30, each such post is provided with a frame and panel assembly supporting member 40, shown best in FIGURE 4c. Support member 40 is a substantially flat elongated mem-ber lhaving a width which is just slightly less than the distance between the bases of grooves 32d and 32d, for example. The thickness of member 40 is just slightly less than the thickness vof the grooves 32d and 32e, for example. The elongated member 40 is machined to form a pair of projections 41 and 42 which are bent so as to extend slightly away from the longitudinal `direction of member 40, as well as being bent generally in an upward vertical direction. The distance between projections 41 and 42 is substantially identical to the distance G between the upper edges of elongated slots 22 and 23 shown in FIGURE 3. The slots 22 and 23 are preferably spaced at equal distances from the upper and lower corners of the frame assembly so as to permit the panel to be mounted equally well if turned upside down. For example, considering FIGURE 5, Iby providing the above mentioned spacing for slots 22 and 23, the lower horizontal edge of frame 20 may occupy the position of Ithe upper horizontal edge and yet still be easily and properly mounted to the posts 30 and 30.

In order to mount an assembly 20, shown in FIGURE 2, to the post 30, the support member 40 is inserted into one of the depressions, for example, depression 32a at the top end o'f post 30 so that it finally occupies the position shown best in FIGURE 4. The bottom edge of support member 40 rests upon the upper surface of a base member 36 secured to the bottom of post 30 in any suitable manner. A rubber foot 37 may be secured to base member 36 in such a manner as to be adjustable either vertically upward or downward relative to the post member in a manner to be more fully described.

After insertion of the support member 40 within the depression 32a the frame assembly is then joined by placing the upper edges of elongated slots 22 and 23 over projections 41 and 42 and then dropping the frame downward until slots 22 and 23 are firmly seated upon the associated projections 41 and 42, respectively.

The panel assembly 20 is preferably supported by two posts 30 and 30 as shown in FIGURE 5 with both vertical sides of the panel and frame assembly 20 being joined to the posts 30 and 30 in the same manner as previously described. It can clearly be seen from FIGURE 5 that the lower horizontal edge of panel and frame assembly 20 lies in .an appreciable distance above the floor level 45. In order to insure the fact that the panel assembly 20 is substantially level, the rubber feet 37 and 37 are :made adjustable. For example, the foot 37 is secured to a threaded member 38 which threadedly engages the base member 36 in order to allow for adjustment of the foot member. By manipulation of feet 37 and 37', levelling of the panel assembly is quite simple.

In the case where it is desirable to provide a translucent or transparent sheet of material above panel assembly 20 such as, for example, the transparent sheet 46 shown in FIGURE 5, the holding member 50 of FIGURE 4b is employed. The holding member 50 is comprised of an elongated member, preferably formed of a plastic material having a flat base portion =S1 with projections 52 and 53 extending from one surface thereof and being bent inwardly toward one another. The width of base 51 is just slightly less than the distance between the bases of grooves 32d and 32e (for example) of the post 30 so as to be slidably received within the depression 32a. In order to mount the transparent sheet 46 into the assembly of FIG- URE 5 the members 50 and 50 (of suitable length) are inserted into the associated depressions of posts 30 and 30', respectively, so that their bottom edges rest upon the upper surface of upper frame member 10V. The transparent member 46 is then positioned so that the arms 52 and 53 of member 50 and 52 and 53 of member 50 embrace the vertical edges of the transparent member. The transparent member 46 is then firmly held in this position with its lower edge resting upon the upper surface of frame member 10V and with its opposite vertical edges making a force-fit between the embracing inwardly bent arms 52-53 and 52-53 of members 50 and 50', respectively. It should -be understood that the arrangement of FIGURE 5 may be repeated any number of times to form a single rail partition assembly. For example, it may be desired to provide a rail partition assembly which is 20 or 30 feet long. Since the individual panel members comprising each frame 20 may, for example, be 4' x 8 sections it can clearly be seen that a plurality of such sections connected with interspersed posts such as the posts 30 and 30 would be required to form a partition assembly which is as long as 20 or 30 feet. The above example should not be considered in any way as a limiting use and a partition assembly of any length may be employed depending only upon the needs of the user. As a further example, let it be assumed that the post 30 of FIGURE 5 forms one side of a passageway between the two areas divided by the partition assembly. Since this end of the assembly may be subject to some abuse, in order to provide increased strength and rigidity it is preferred to employ a pop rivet at the upper corners of the framing assembly to prevent any movement, either accidental or deliberate, of the post 30 from causing the framing assembly 20 from becoming loose. FIGURE 2 shows the position of the pop rivet P to provide this increased strength.

FIGURE 6 shows another preferred embodiment of the instant invention. The rail assembly shown herein is comprised of a post 60 having a substantially X-shaped crosssection comprised of ribs 61-64, extending in a radial manner from a curved central portion 65. The free end of each rib is provided with projections 61c-61d through 64c-64d with these projections, or flanges being substantially aligned so as to form right angles yielding an end view having a somewhat general resemblance to the end view of post 30 shown in FIGURE 4a. The projections 61d and 63d are further designed to form elongated openings 61e and 63e, respectively, for a purpose to be more fully described.

Each of the ribs 61-64 are further provided with additional projections 61a-61b through 64a-64b, respectively, for the purpose of receiving panel frame members and insert members, in a manner to be more fully described.

The panel frame member 70 usable with the post 60 is an elongated channel member having a flat base portion 71 with a pair of inwardly bent arms 72 and 73 for receiving and embracing a partition panel such as, for example, the partition panel 74 shown in dotted fashion in FIGURE 6. The small projections 72a and 73a provided along the inner faces of arms 72 and 73, respectively, bear against the marginal edge 74a of panel member 74 to position edge 74aa spaced distance from the surface of base portion 71.

The inwardly bent arms 72 and 73 of the channel member 70 acts to create a force-fit between the channel member and the panel. The panel may be framed on all four sides in substantially the same manner as previously described, or may be framed on just its vertical sides, if desired. The framing members may be mitered at their extreme ends in order to form neat, aesthetically pleasing corners for the framing structure. The exterior surface of the channel members framing the horizontally aligned surfaces of the panel member need only be provided with a smooth finish to yield an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The channel members 70 may be formed of any suitable plastic material with the color of the channel member being dependent only upon the needs of the user. The mitered corners of the plastic members forming the frame for the individual panel members may be secured together by the means of an L-bracket which may be secured to each frame member by means of suitable fastening members such as screws and the like. Such an L-shaped -bracket B is shown in FIGURE 6 with its downwardly depending arm being secured to frame member 70 and panel member 21 by a screw means S.

The opposite surface of base portion 71 is provided with a pair of projections 75 and 76 which are spaced so as to substantially fit between the flanges 62C and 63d, for example. The extreme ends of projections 75 and 76 are tapered and are provided with notches 75a and 76a near their tapered portions for engaging the porjections 62a and 63b, for example, which notches and projections cooperate to prevent frame member 70 from being moved in the direction shown by arrow 77 relative to post 60. The frame member 70 may be mounted to post 60 simply by inserting projections 75 and 76 between flanges 62C and 63d, for example. The tapered ends of projections 75 and 76 make sliding engagement with the projections 63b and 62a, respectively, causing the projections to be bent slightly inward during insertion. As soon as the tapered ends pass beyond the projections 62a and 63b the projections will snap outwardly causing engagement between the notches 75a and 76a and projections 6311 and 62a, respectively. Removal of the channel member 70 from post 60 may be performed very simply by lifting or sliding channel member 70 vertically upward relative to post 60 (i.e. in a direction normal to the plane of FIGURE 6) until the entire channel member is clear of post 60.

In order to provide the post 60` with a continuous surface appearance those regions between cooperating anges which do not receive a frame member are provided with a channel member having a flat central portion 81 with arms 82 and 83 both extending in a first direction away from the central portion 81. Each of these arms 82 and 83 are provided with tapered ends and notches similar to those shown on channel member projections 75 and 76 so as to engage the projections 61b and 64a of post 60, for example. When the member 80 is appropriately positioned in the manner shown in FIGURE 6, it can be seen that its exterior surface is substantially coplanar with the exterior surfaces of flanges 61d and 64e so as to yield a substantially smooth surface appearance for post 60. The insert 80 is preferably formed of a plastic material which may be of any suitable color depending upon the needs of the user and the insert 80 may be mounted to post 60 in the same manner as frame member 70 is mounted to the post. In order to adequately support the frame member 73 an insert 80 may be positioned immediately beneath the frame member 70 to support the frame member a predetermined distance above the base such as, for example, the base 36, of the post 30. This will support the frame assembly 20 above the base 36 of each post in the manner best shown in FIGURE 5.

In the case where it is desired to provide an assembly of the type shown in FIGURE 5, i.e., a rail partition assembly employing a transulcent or transparent sheet, the insert member 80 may be modified so as to include a second pair of projections y84 and 85 which are bent slightly toward one another so as to embrace the vertical edge of the transparent member therebetween and provide a support substantially in the same manner as the member 50 shown in FIGURES 4b and 5.

The central opening 65a of post 60 may be employed to threadedly engage the threaded member 38 provided on rubber foot 37 shown in FIGURE 5 in order to allow for adjustment of the rubber foot relative to the post in the same manner as previously described. The openings 61e and 63e are provided for receiving suitable fastening means such as, for example, self-threading screw members for the purpose of securing a base member to the lower end of the post. The base member is dimensioned so that the frame member 70 and panel 74 embraced thereby will rest upon the base member for suitable support. The openings 65a, 61e and 63e are all formed simultaneously during the extrusion process and avoid the need for providing additional fastening means for securing the base member 36 to the post 30, in the manner shown in FIGURE 4. As can clearly be seen from a consideration of FIGURE 4a, the means of making threaded engagement with the threaded member 38 of rubber foot 37 does not form an integral part of post 30, but must be provided on the base member 36. The provision of this additional member is thus avoided with the post design of FIGURE 6.

After assembling the rail partition assembly, the upper ends of the posts 30 (or 60) are preferably covered with a plastic (or metal) cap 85 (and 85') shown in FIG- URES 4 and 5 so as to yield an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the finished assembly.

FIGURE 7 shows still another alternative embodyment for the rail partition assembly of the instant invention which is comprised of a post member 60 having substantially a close resemblance to the post member 60 of FIGURE 6 with the only differences being the fact that the projections or flanges 61d-61c through 64d-64c are each provided with a notched portion 91a-91b through 94a-94b, respectively, at the extreme ends of each of said flanges. Also, ribs 61-64 are further provided with substantially V-shaped grooves 91c-91d through 94c-94d positioned on the opposite sides of their associated ribs. These alterations are provided for purposes to be more fully described.

The post 60' is compatible with the insert 80 in the manner shown and receives the insert 80 in the same manner as post 60 shown in FIGURE 6. The insert 80',

which is modified with the arms `84 and 85 to receive a translucent or transparent sheet also is identical to the one described with reference to FIGURE 6 and is compatible for use with post 60. A slight distinction resides in the fact that the extreme longitudinal edges of members 80 and 80 of FIGURE 7 are seated in the notches provided in the associated flanges so as to provide a smooth, continuous appearance for post 60.

The frame member usable with post 60 of FIGURE 7 is substantially identical to the frame member 10` of FIGURES la-lc with the exception that the vertical frame members are provided with a pair of projections 96 and 97 extending the entire length of frame member 10 and having a configuration forming the grooves 96a and 97a, respectively.

In order to join panel member 10' to post 60 the projections 96 and 97 are inserted between flanges 61d and -64c until the surface of central portion 11 rests against the surface of flanges 61a and 64C. A flat elongated metallic strip 98 is then inserted through the top (or bottom) of post 60 in the position shown in FIG- URE 7 so that one edge thereof is seated in V-shaped notch 91d and the other end thereof is seated in grooves 96a. Elongated strips 98 thereby prevents removal of channel member 10 from post 60'. A similar elongated strip 99 is inserted so that one edge thereof rests against V- shaped notch 94d and the other edge thereof is seated in notch 97a. This arrangement thereby provides a very simple way for securing frame member 10' to post 60 without the necessity for employing any additional fastening means.

The lower edge of frame member 10 and hence the partition panel 74 embraced by channel member 10 may be supported upon one edge of base member 36 shown in FIGURE 4, to provide suitable vertical support.

It can be seen from the foregoing descriptions that the instant invention provides a novel rail partition assembly which requires no independent fastening means for assembly thereof and which is comprised of a minimum of component parts, thereby greatly reducing both manufacturing and assembly costs. The frame sections may be cut to suitable lengths at the factory and may be assembled on the job site or if desired, may be assembled in the factory, depending only upon the needs of the user. In any case the assembly steps are greatly reduced and simplified when compared with conventional structures.

Although there has been described a preferred embodiment of this novel invention, many variations and modifications will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is to be limited, not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appending claims. A

What is claimed is:

1. A partition assembly comprising:

at least one upright post;

a panel and frame assembly comprising:

a substantially rectangular panel member;

a frame surrounding said panel member, said frame being comprised of first and second pairs of channel members; all of said channel members being elongated, substantially U-shaped members having a pair of grooves positioned adjacent opposite sides of the base portion of the channel member;

both ends of each of the channel members having a projection integral with said base portion;

the projections of said first and second pair of channel members being bent at substantially right angles transverse to the length of the channel member; the free end of said bent lprojection of said first pair being slidably engaged by the pair of grooves of the second pair of channel members, to form a substantially rectangular shaped frame for receiving said panel member with the arms of said U-shaped channel members embracing the marginal edges of said panel member;

the projections of the second pair of channel members engaging the rst pair of channel members at each end thereof; said first channel member projections being notched adjacent said bent portion to enable the exterior surface of said base portion to be positioned in alignment with the end of said second channel member receiving the first channel member proejections; and the grooves of said second pair of channel members being deformed at a spaced distance from the ends of the channel member to restrain all of said channel members from movement relative to one another while avoiding the need for any additional fastening means;

means for joining said panel and frame assembly to said post.

2. The partition assembly of claim 1 wherein said post is comprised of an elongated member having a susbtantially rectangular cross-section;

at least one outer surface of said post having a pair of spaced parallel undercut grooves extending longitudinally; a substantially flat elongated rod slidably engaged by said pair of undercut grooves; and having atleast one projection extending generally upward and away from the surface of said rod;

at least one of said channel members having an elongated slot for receiving said projection.

3. The partition assembly of claim 2, further comprislng a base plate secured to one end of said post and having one marginal edge extending beneath said undercut grooves to support the rod positioned in said grooves. 4. The partition assembly of claim 2, further comprismg a base plate secured to one end of said post and having one marginal edge extending beneath said undercut grooves to support the rod positioned in said grooves;

adjustable foot means threadedly engaged by said base plate for adjusting the height of said post.

5. 'Ihe partition assembly of claim 1, wherein said post is comprised of an elongated member having susbtantially X-shaped cross-sections;

the ribs forming said cross-section each having first and second flanges at the free ends thereof; the first and second flanges of each rib being substantially at right angles;

all of said flanges coperating to form a substantially rectangular shaped configuration with opposing flanges of adjacent ribs being a spaced distance apart.

6. The partition assembly of claim 5, wherein at least one of said channel members is provided with first and second elongated spaced parallel projections along said base portion and extending away from said frame assembly;

each of said projections having an elongated groove;

said projections extending into the region between flanges of adjacent ribs;

first and second flat elongated members being inserted within said post, each elongated member having one marginal edge received by an associated groove in said projection;

the ribs adjacent said channel member projections each having a third elongated flange extending toward said channel member projections for abutting the second marginal edge of an associated fiat elongated member to said frame assembly to said post.

7. The partition assembly of claim 6 further comprismg a base plate;

the juncture of said ribs being provided with an opening extending the length of said post;

fastening means tlneadedly mounted in said opening for securing said base plate to said post.

8. The partition assembly of claim 5, further comprismeans for sealing the region between at least one pair of opposing flanges of adjacent ribs, said sealing means comprising:

an elongated, substantially U-shaped channel member having a flat base portion and a pair of arms extending therefrom;

each of said arms extending toward the center of said post and having an elongated notch near the free ends thereof;

two of said ribs adjacent said cover means each having fourth elongated flanges for engaging an associated notch to secure said sealing means to said post.

9. A partition assembly comprising: at least one upright post; a panel and frame assembly comprising:

a substantially rectangular panel member;

a frame surrounding said panel member, said frame being comprised of first and second pairs of channel members;

all of said channel members being elongated, substantially U-shaped members having a base portion, a pair of arms extending in a first direction from said base portion; at least one of said channel members having a pair of spaced parallel projections extending from said base portion in a direction opposite said first direction;

each of said projections having an elongated notch near the free end thereof for joining said frame assembly to said post; said post being comprised of an elongated member having substantially X-shaped cross-sections;

the ribs forming said cross-section each having first and second flanges at the free ends thereof; the first and second flanges of each rib being substantially at right angles;

all of said flanges cooperating to form a substantially rectangular shaped configuration with opposing flanges of adjacent ribs being a spaced distance apart.

10. The partition asembly of claim 9, wherein the projections of said channel member are inserted into the region between opposing flanges of adjacent ribs;

the said adjacent ribs each having third elongated flanges engaging the notches of said channel member projections for securing said frame assembly to said post.

11. The partition assembly of claim 10, further comprising means for sealing the region between at least one pair of opposing flanges of adjacent ribs, said sealing means comprising:

an elongated, substantially U-shaped channel member having a flat base portion and a pair of arms extending therefrom; each of said arms extending toward the center of said post and having an elongated notch near the free ends thereof; two of said ribs adjacent said cover means each having fourth elongated flanges for engaging an associated notch to secure said sealing means to said post.

12. The partition assembly of claim 9 further having a window assembly comprised of at least two vertically aligned frame members for supporting a substantially rectangular shaped transparent member along its vertical edges and being comprised of a substantially flat base member having first and second projections for receiving the marginal edge of the transparent member and being bent inwardly toward one another to create a force fit with the transparent member, and further being provided with a second pair of projections each being notched to engage the notches of said post for securing said transparent frame assemblies to said post; said transparent member having its lower horizontal edge supported upon the frame of said panel and frame assembly, said transparent frame supporting members having their lower edges positioned upon the upper edges of the vertical channel members forming the frame of said panel and frame assembly.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,732,044 1/1956 McClune 52-578 X 2,869,694 1/1959 Breckheimer 52--658 2,963,131 12/1960 Brockway 52-239 X 3,037,593 6/1962 Webster 52-498 X 3,239,891 3/1966 Gardner 49-409 FOREIGN PATENTS 240,287 8/ 1962 Australia.

936,145 9/ 1963 Great Britain. 1,352,778 1/ 1964 France.

DAVID I. WILLIAM-OWSKY, Primary Examiner.

KENNETH DOWNEY, Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent No. 3,343,318' September 26, 1967 Herbert L. Brum, Jr.

It is hereby certified that error appears n the above numbered patent Arequ:'|v.ring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

In the heading to the printed specification, lines 4 and 5, Strike out assigner to HLB Corporation, Lambertvlle, N.J., a corporation of New Jersey" and insert instead 08560 Signed and sealed this 10th day of June 1969.

SEAL) LtteSt:

ldward M. Fletcher, J r.

Lttesting Officer Commissioner of Patents WIELIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR.I 

1. A PARTITION ASSEMBLY COMPRISING: AT LEAST ONE UPRIGHT POST; A PANEL AND FRAME ASSEMBLY COMPRISING: A SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR PANEL MEMBER; A FRAME SURROUNDING SAID PANEL MEMBER, SAID FRAME BEING COMPRISED OF FIRST AND SECOND MEMOF CHANNEL MEMBERS; ALL OF SAID CHANNEL MEMBERS BEING ELONGATED, SUBSTANTIALLY U-SHAPED MEMBERS HAVING A PAIR OF GROOVES POSITIONED ADJACENT OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE BASE PORTION OF THE CHANNEL MEMBER; BOTH ENDS OF EACH OF THE CHANNEL MEMBERS HAVING A PROJECTION INTEGRAL WITH SAID BASE PORTION; THE PROJECTIONS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND PAIR OF OF CHANNEL MEMBERS BEING BENT AT SUBSTANTIALLY RIGHT ANGLES TRANSVERSE TO THE LENGTH OF THE CHANNEL MEMBER; THE FREE END OF SAID BENT PROJECTION OF SAID FIRST PAIR BEING SLIDABLY ENGAGED BY THE PAIR OF GROOVES OF THE SECOND PAIR OF CHANNEL MEMBERS, TO FORM A SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR SHAPED FRAME FOR RECEIVING SAID PANEL MEMBER WITH THE ARMS OF SAID U-SHAPED CHANNEL MEMBERS EMBRACING THE MARGINAL EDGES OF SAID PANEL MEMBER; THE PROJECTIONS OF THE SECOND PAIR OF CHANNEL MEMBERS ENGAGING THE FIRST PAIR OF CHANNEL MEMBER PROJECTIONS END THEREOF; SAID FIRST CHANNEL MEMBER PROJECTIONS BEING NOTCHED ADJACENT SAID BENT PORTION OF ENABLE THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF SAID BASE PORTION TO BE POSITIONED IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE END OF SAID SECOND CHANNEL MEMBER RECEIVING THE FIRST CHANNEL MEMBER PROEJECTIONS; AND THE GROOVES OF SAID SECOND PAIR OF CHANNEL MEMBERS BEING DEFORMED AT A SPACED DISTANCE FROM THE ENDS OF THE CHANNEL MEMBER TO RESTRAIN ALL OF SAID CHANNEL MEMBERS FROM MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER WHILE AVOIDING THE NEED FOR ANY ADDITIONAL FASTENING MEANS; MEANS FOR JOINING SAID PANEL AND FRAME ASSEMBLY TO SAID POST. 